Remembering the late Leslie Cheung
THE year 2020 marks the 64th year since Leslie Cheung’s birth. To honour his legacy, Universal Music has released a new album that remakes some of his classics. The first track of the album, Four Seasons (A Balloon’s Journey), together with its music video, was made available worldwide on Sept 12 to mark what would have been his 64th birthday.
The release of Four Seasons (A Balloon’s Journey) also heralds the launch of a new album, REVISIT, produced by Cheung’s long-time producer friend, Alvin Leong, arranger Gary Tong and C. Y. Kong, who have remade some of his best classics.
Leong noted: “It has long been my desire to remake some of Leslie’s music. This year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of PolyGram, which is also a good time to revisit old friends and memories. And [that inspired] the album title REVISIT.”
In producing this new album, Tong said he felt no particular pressure. “For me, Leslie’s music holds the same level of familiarity and intimacy. Therefore I wish, once again, to present to all what Leslie would have loved.”
In contrast, Kong hints upon the project’s difficulty.
He said: “Leslie’s music has retained a status of legacy. Rearranging these works [which are] so well remembered by his fans would not be an easy task.”
Four Seasons (A Balloon’s Journey) is rearranged by Tong and produced by Leong. In this new release, Leong uses a previously unreleased take of Cheung in producing the final track. It will certainly bring back vivid memories for fans.
Hong Kong singer-actor Eason Chan said: “Leslie is elegant, calm and sincere. When I first heard Four Seasons, I felt it was like a breeze softly combing through a wide pasture. The breeze went with me through time, and brought me hope to welcome another prolific season.
“[I am] highly anticipating the new arrangement by Gary Tong, and curious how the new wine will taste after decanting in this old bottle!”
Asked if he had ever imagined what it would have been like to live and work with Cheung as his contemporary, Chan replied: “I would definitely have invited him to sing with me, and I hope he would have agreed!”
Veteran singer Sandy Lam, who had worked closely with Cheung during her career, remembers him fondly. “Hearing his voice again makes me feel warm and melancholic at the same time. Life is so fragile, and I would save my words to him in my heart. I wish we all can give thanks to all we have and treasure the people around us.”